Purdue opens Big Ten play today against No. 11 Illinois (13-1).

For the Boilermakers (6-6), the key will be trying to slow down Illini guard Brandon Paul. The senior is averaging 18.7 points per game, which ranks second in the Big Ten.

Guards Tracy Abrams (12.1 points per game) and D.J. Richardson (10.9 ppg) are also averaging double figures in scoring for Illinois.

Illinois is shooting 39.6 percent from three-point territory. Purdue is strong defending the three. Opponents are shooting just 29.3 percent from three-point territory. Purdue is second in the Big Ten in three-point defense. The Boilermakers are fourth in rebounding margin, coming in at a plus-8.6.

Purdue will have to rebound well and avoid turnovers to defeat Illinois. Purdue has just 16 turnovers in its last two games.